Pipe wrapping machine



1934. L, s. ROSENER 1,969,947

PIPE WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Feb, 28, 19 31 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. ZEZA/VD 5. EDSE/YEIQ BY MJ% HIS ATTORNEY Aug. 14, 1934; s. ROSENER PIPE WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Feb. 28, 1931 2 Shee'lSSheet'--v 2 INVENTOR. vp 3 ROSE/V52 Y a w 19/3 ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 14, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FEE WRAPPING MAcniNE Application February 28, 1931, Serial No. 519,063

Claims.

My invention relates to a machine for wrapping cylindrically shaped objects, and particularly to a pipe wrapping machine with which a wrapping material is applied longitudinally of the pipe.

5 It is among the objects of my invention to provide a pipe wrapping machine which is characterized by the absence of parts rotating about the pipe, so that a wrapping may readily be applied to an installed pipe line.

Another object of my invention is to provide a pipe wrapping machine with which strip material is adhesively united to the pipe in a longitudinally applied wrapping, whereby the pipe is encased in a protective sheathing which is quickly and easily to applied.

Further objects of my invention include the provision, in a pipe wrapping machine of the character described, of adjustable mounting means for the wrapping units, so that the ma- 2c chine may be readily positioned about an installed pipe line at any given point; and of means for detachably securing the wrapping units in their operative position.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of my invention. It is to be understood that I do not limit myself to this disclosure of species of my invention, as I may adopt variant embodiments thereof within the scopeof the claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the pipe wrapping machine embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view, taken in a plane indicated by the line 2-2 of Figure 1, showing the longitudinally applied wrapping; and

Figure 3 is a similar view showing a variant form of wrapping.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view, taken in 40 a plane indicated by the line 4-4 of Figure 1,

showing the arrangement and mounting of the guide rollers; and

Figure 5 is a similar view, taken in a plane indicated by the line 55 of Figure 1, showing the arrangement and mounting of the drive'rollers.

In terms of broad inclusion, the machine for wrapping objects embodying my invention comprises means for holding a supply of wrapping material, and means for effecting relative movement between the holding means and the object, together with means for applyingthe wrapping material longitudinally of the object. Means are also preferably provided for applying a fluid to bind the material to the object. In its preferred form, as illustrated, the machine embodying my invention is designed for wrapping pipes, and particularly the pipes in an installed pipe line.

The supply of wrapping material is preferably a roll of strip material, and is preferably jour- 0 naled on a frame mounted for movement along the pipe. The strip is preferably directed into engagement with the pipe by means of a guide roller journaled on the frame shaped to fit the peripheral surface of the pipe. A plurality of wrapping units, each including a supply roll and a guide roller, are preferably provided, and ad-- justable mounting means are preferably provided for a pair of the units, so that the machine may be readily positioned about an installed pipe line at any given point. Means are also preferably provided for detachably securing the wrapping units in their operative position.

In greater detail, the machine for wrapping objects embodying my invention is illustrated anddescribed in its preferred form as a pipe wrapping machine comprising an elongated and preferably rectangularly shaped frame'generally designated 1, built up of the side beams 2 and cross bars 3. Since the embodiment of my invention chosen for the purposes of illustration is primarily an installed line machine, in which the question of portability enters as a factor of considerable importance, the frame may conveniently be of angle iron construction in order to incorporate elements of strength and rigidity in a frame of comparatively light weight.

With the idea of utilizing an installed pipe line for a track, mounting means are provided for the frame 1 enabling it to travel along the pipe 4. Referring particularly to Figure l, the rear end of the frame 1 is supported on the pipe 4 by a pair of angularly set rollers 6; one roller being mounted on each of the side beams 2. A bearing 7 fixed to the side beam 2 provides a journal for the roller shaft 8. The angular positioning of the rollers 6 allows longitudinal movement of the frame along the pipe 4, and at the same time permits them to serve in the capacity of thrust rollers to prevent lateral movement. This feature stabilizes the frame and counteracts any tendency on its part to tip over sideways.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and 5, the forward end of the frame 1 is supported on the pipe 4 by a drive roller 9. A drive shaft 11 carrying the roller 9 is journaled in the bearings 12 suitably secured to the side beams 2 of the frame. In order to enhance the tractional engagement between the drive roller 9 and the pipe 4, the roller is preferably provided with a concave sur- I that the weight of the machine serves to press the drive roller 9 into tractional engagement with the pipe 4.

The drive roller 9 is preferably driven by a suitable motor 13 thru a speed change .14 and a reduction gearing 16, each of conventional construction. The housings of the speed change and reduction gearing are suitably secured to one of the side beams of the frame 1, and the motor 13 is preferably mounted'above these units with one side resting on the speed change and reduction gearing housings and the other side resting on a suitable bracket 17 secured to the side beam 2 at the opposite side of the frame. A chain 18 running over a sprocket 19 on the motor shaft 21 and a sprocket 22 on the shaft 23 of the speed change 14 serves to complete the drive from the motor 13 to the drive roller 9. It is thus seen that means are provided for effecting relative movement between the frame 1 and the pipe 4, and more specifically that means are provided for moving the frame along the pipe.

Means are provided for applying wrapping material longitudinally of the pipe. A supply roll 24 of strip material is held by a suitable reel 26 removably journaled in the brackets 27 secured to the side beams 2 of the frame 1. The strip material 28, after it is peeled off the supply roll 24, passes over an elevated roll 29, down over a roll 31, and finally is directed into engagement with the pipe 4 by a guide roller 32 adapted to bear against the pipe. Suitable bearing brackets 33, secured to the frame fixed standards 34, provide journals for the elevated roll 29, while the bearing blocks 36 secured on the side beams 2 provide journals for the roll 31. Similar bearing blocks 37, also secured on the side beams 2 of the frame 1, provide journals for the guide roller 32. P

In order to form the strip 28 to fit the peripheral surface of the pipe 4, the guide roller 32 is preferably provided with a concave surface complementary to the pipe surface, and, in order that thestrip 28 be deposited uniformly on the pipe, the length of the roller surface is preferably substantially equal to the width of the strip. The position of the guide roller 32 is such that, with a. strip 28 interposed between it and the pipe 4, the roller bears against the pipe to press the material into shape and into frictional engage ment with the pipe surface. By reason of this frictional engagement the strip 28 is peeled off the supply roll 24 and deposited on the pipe 4 as the frame 1 is moved.

In the preferred form of my invention as described the weight of the machine on the frame journaled guide roller 32 is utilized to thrust the strip 28 against the pipe 4, it is obvious however that this thrust may be effected by other means, such as a spring pressed guide roller.

Means are provided for mounting other wrapping units on the frame 1, so that a group of the units are arranged circumferentially about the pipe, and adjustable mounting means are provided for selected units of the group, 'so that the group may be positioned about a pipe line at a selected point. Means are also provided for detachably securing the units in the circumferentially disposed position. The general arrangement of the wrapping units in operative position is best illustrated in Figure 4.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and 4, an

apron 38 is preferably provided on each side of the frame 1. These aprons are preferably of an open framework angle iron construction, and are pivotally mounted on the side beams 2 of the frame 1 by suitable hinges 39. In their normal positions the aprons 38 hang downwardly-alongside the pipe 4, and it is apparent from their mounting that the aprons are free to swing to and away from the pipe. The aprons 38 are provided with wrapping units similar to that described for the frame 1. In these cases however the guide rollers are offsetfrom the guide roller on the frame.

As best ,illustrated in Figure 4, the offsetting of the circumferentially disposed guide rollers 32 allows their concave surfaces to completely encircle the pipe 4. When three wrapping units are provided a width of wrapping strip is employed which is preferably greater than onethird the pipe circumference. This allows the edges of the longitudinally applied strips to overlap, note Figure 2. It is apparent however that a greater or less number of wrapping units may be provided, using varying widths of material in making up the pipe covering. Figure 3 shows a variant form of wrapping, in which six wrapping units would be employed., In this case two layers of material are provided, with the strips in each layer abutting, and the strips in alternate layers breaking joints. Obviously, this type of wrapping could also be accomplished by two machines, each having three wrapping units.

The lower ends of the depending aprons 38 are connected by means for detachably securing the aprons to hold the movably mounted wrapping units in operative position. A connecting rod 41 is pivotally mounted on one of the aprons and is adapted to pass thru a collar 42 fixed on the other apron. A hand wheel 43 is threaded on the projecting end of the rod 41, and a spring 44 is preferably interposed between the vcollar 42 and the hand wheel to resiliently thrust the guide rollers 32 against the pipe 4. Preferably, a plurality of these connecting links are provided to stabilize the aprons in their operative position.

As best illustrated in Figure 5, a plurality of drive rollers are provided; an additional roller being mounted on each of the aprons 38. The apron rollers are of substantially the same construction as the frame roller 9, and are carried by the shafts 46 journaled in suitable bearing blocks 47 secured to the aprons. The upper ends of these shafts are provided with the bevel gears 48 adapted to mesh with the drive shaft bevel gears 49 in the operative position of the aprons.

When the motor 13 is running the drive shaft 11 revolves to rotate the driven shafts 46, so that the three drive rollers 9 are simultaneously driven to move the frame along the pipe 4. It is to be noted that the spring pressed connections at the bottom of the aprons 38 also serve to resiliently thrust-the apron mounted drive rollers against the pipe. This construction provides an efiicient means of propulsion which positively drives the frame 1 along the pipe 4.

Means are also preferably provided for applying an adhesive fluid to bind the longitudinally applied strips 28 to the pipe. A tank 51 for holding a supply of adhesive fluid, such as a bituminous compound, is preferably provided and is mounted on the frame 1 by the supports 34 and 52. The bottom of thetank 51 'is preferably inclined to clear the wrapping strip 28, and a roll\ 53, journaled in the frame brackets 54, is provided adjacent the rear of the tank to prevent the strip from rubbing against the tank bottom as the supply of material diminishes.

A plurality of heater tubes 56 are preferably arranged in the tank 51 to maintainthe cement-- ing material in a fluid state. The fluid is led out of the lower end of the tank by a duct 57 connecting with a pump 58 mounted adjacent the forward end of the tank 51. The pump is drivably connected with the projected end of the motor shaft 21. A duct 59 connecting with the discharge of the pump 58' communicates with the tubes 61 supported on the frame 1 and aprons 38. These tubes are provided with a plurality of nozzles 62 directed to spray the adhesive fluid on the under surface of the strips 28 prior to their being deposited on the pipe. Sections of flexible tubing 63 connect the duct 59 with the tubes 61 on the aprons 38 to allow free movement of the aprons.

In conclusion it is pointed out that the pipe wrapping machine embodying the improvements of my invention applies strip material by depositing it on the pipe in a longitudinally applied wrapping, and binds the material to the pipe to provide a protective sheathing. The machine may be readily positioned about "a pipe line at any given point, and is characterized by the absence of parts rotating about the pipe. Furthermore, the longitudinal application of the wrapping material is exceedingly rapid, and many miles of pipe line may be wrapped in a single day.

I claim:

l. A pipe wrapping machine comprising a frame mounted for movement along the pipe, a group of wrapping units arranged on the frame, a plurality of said units being mounted for movement to operative positions alongside the pipe, means for detachably securing the movable units in their operative position, and means for moving the frame.

2. A pipe wrapping machine comprising a frame mounted for movement along the pipe, a wrapping unit for applying material to the pipe, an apron pivotally mounted on the frame and adapted to extend downwardly alongside the pipe for supporting the wrapping unit in operative position, means for detachably securing the apron in its depending position, and means for moving the frame along the pipe.

3. A pipe wrapping machine comprising a frame mounted for movement along the pipe, a plurality of wrapping units arranged on the frame, an apron pivotally mounted adjacent each side of the frame and adapted to extend downwardly alongside the pipe for supporting a mapping unit in operative position on each side of the pipe, means connecting the lower ends of the aprons for detachably securing them together in their depending positions, and means for moving the frame along the pipe.

4. A pipe wrapping machine comprising a frame mountedfor movement along the pipe, a wrapping unit for applying material to the pipe, an apron pivotally mounted on the frame and adapted to extend downwardly alongside the pipe for supporting the wrapping unit in operative position, means for detachably securing the apron in its depending position, a drive shaft journaled on the frame, a gear fixed on the drive shaft, a driven shaft journaled on the apron, a gear fixed on the driven shaft and adapted to mesh with the drive shaft gear in the depending position of the apron,

' a roller mounted for rotation with the driven shaft and adapted to tractionally engage the pipe in the depending position of the apron, and means for rotating the drive shaft.

5. A pipe wrapping machine comprising a group of supporting units for holding supply rolls of wrapping material and adapted for arrangement circumferentially about the pipe, adjustable mounting means for selected units of said group so that the group may be positioned about a pipe line at a selected point, and means for detachably securing the supporting units in the circumferentially disposed position. v

6. A pipe wrapping machine comprising means for holding a plurality of supply rolls of strip material, a plurality of concave guide elements circumferentially disposed about the pipe for directing the strips on the pipe, said elements cooperating to provide a cylindrical surface extending substantially around the pipe and means for effecting relative movement between the guide rollers and the pipe to transfer the material from the supply rolls to the pipe and deposit it thereon in a longitudinally applied Wrapping. 7,. A'pipe wrapping machine comprising means forholding a supply roll of wrapping material, and a spring pressed roller resiliently pressing the material in engagement with the pipe and movable relative to the pipe for transferring the material from the supply roll to the pipe and depositing it thereon in a longitudinally applied wrapping.

8. A pipe wrapping machine comprising means for holding a supply roll of wrapping material and a spring pressed concave guide element resiliently pressing the material in engagement with the pipe and movable relative to the pipe for transferring the material from the supply roll to ,.of offset concave rollers circumferentially disposed in overlapping relation about the pipe and cooperating to provide a cylindrical surface extending substantially around and adapted to bear against the pipe, each roller engaging one of said strips for pressing it into engagement with the pipe.

11. A pipe wrapping machine comprising means circumferentially disposed about the pipe for holding a plurality of supply rolls of strip material, a plurality of concave rollers circumferentially disposed about'and adapted to bear against the pipe and cooperating to provide a cylindrical surface extending substantially around the pipe and adapted to press the strips into engagement with the pipe.

12. In a pipe wrapping machine for applying a wrapping strip longitudinally of the pipe, a concave element for pressing the strip into engagement with. the pipe and having a curved surface complementary with the surface of the pipe, the length of said curved surface of the pressure element being substantially equal to the width of said strip.

applying wrapping strips longitudinally of the pipe with the edges of said strips overlapping, and a pressure element for each strip and having a concave surface complementary with the surface of the pipe, said elements being offset in overlapping relation so that the pressure elements of adjacent strips both bear against the overlapping portions of said strips.

15. In a pipe wrapping machine, means for applying wrapping strips longitudinally of the pipe with the edges of said strips overlapping, and a pressure element for each strip and having a concave surface complementary with the surface of the pipe, said elements being offset in overlapping relation and having curved surfaces substantially equal in length to the width of the strips so that the pressure elements of adjacent strips both bear against the overlapping portions of said strips.

LELAND S. ROSENER. 

